Theocast

Our Thoughts on John Piper and Falling Away May 07, 2025

Show notes

Recently, a video clip from the Coram Deo Conference began circulating online, featuring John Piper making comments about falling away from the living God—and how that warning needs to be preached. The message that one can fall away must be clearly communicated, with no punches pulled. Theocast was brought into the online conversation surrounding this video, and we've received a number of questions about our thoughts on what Piper said. Today, we aim to charitably engage with John’s comments and express our concerns about his message. We hope this conversation brings clarity and answers some of your questions. Ultimately, as always, our desire is to point you to Jesus Christ and to help you see from the Scriptures that He truly is enough to save you—and that you don’t need to be afraid.

CHECK OUT CHAD BIRD’S RESOURCES

Law & Gospel (with Chad Bird) Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

Today’s episode is a special live podcast recording from our 2025 Law & Gospel Conference! Jon, Justin, and our special guest, Chad Bird, discuss their theological journeys that led them to understand the importance of the law and gospel distinction and what it means for the Christian. After the discussion, the guys hold a Q&A with the audience!

God Really Does Love Us (with Dan Cruver) Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

As Christians, we often say we know God loves us and that Jesus died for our sins so we could be forgiven and accepted in Christ. But when asked how we think God really feels about us, we tend to get uncomfortable. If we're honest, many of us quietly wonder if God truly delights in us or if His grace was more of a reluctant necessity. Maybe He saved us, but does He actually enjoy us? Today, Jon and Justin are joined by Dan Cruver, author of Love Indeed, to talk about the deep, assuring love of God. Our hope is to encourage one another—and you—with the truth of how deeply God loves sinners like us.

DAN’S BOOK: LOVE INDEED

The Good and The Bad of New Calvinism Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

New Calvinism: The Young, Restless, and Reformed Movement. This has been a significant movement—a major groundswell—in recent decades within the American and Western Church. What’s good about it? What’s maybe not so good? That’s the conversation Jon and Justin are going to have today from our typical confessional and Reformed perspective. There is much to celebrate, but there are also aspects where we might say, "Maybe not the best."

The Danger of "God's Glory" without the Gospel Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

If I asked you, "What is the glory of God?" how would you answer? The glory of God is a central focus in the evangelical church, and rightly so. It is a wonderful reality that must be understood biblically to avoid misrepresenting His character. God is glorified in creation, in executing justice, and above all, in saving His people. He has always loved us, bound His heart to us, and takes the greatest joy in our redemption. Jon and Justin will discuss how separating God's glory from Jesus and the gospel can be dangerous, as it risks misrepresenting His character.

Let's Talk About Idolatry Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

If you're like us and were raised in the church, you probably chuckled when you first learned that the Israelites carried around small idols in the desert—almost like little good luck charms. They had the power of God on their side, the One who split the sea, provided them with food, led them by a pillar of fire at night and a cloud by day. Yet, they still clung to these idols. How foolish those Israelites must have been, right? But that’s not quite how the story goes. Idolatry and idol worship may seem like an Old Testament issue, but they haven’t disappeared. The powers behind them are still at work today. That’s exactly what Justin and Jon want to discuss. We need to have a proper understanding of idolatry and recognize that it remains a real danger in our lives.

How Could Lot Be Righteous? Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

If I had to pick one person from the entire Bible and give him the title of "righteous" based on his actions, it wouldn’t be Lot. I’m sorry, but what that man did is not the definition of righteousness. Yet, that’s often how we think about godliness—righteousness as a comparison of who obeys the law. "I didn’t do these things; therefore, I’m righteous. You did those things; therefore, you’re unrighteous." But that’s not the definition used in the books of Hebrews and 2 Peter. They present a different perspective. In today’s podcast, Justin and Jon discuss why Peter refers to Noah and Lot as righteous—and what that really means.

The Most Christian Thing We Do Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

What is the most Christian thing we could do? If you're like many out there, you might say, "Well, I would not sin." Fair answer. That certainly is a fruit of being united to the Lord Jesus Christ. But Jon and Justin offer a different perspective today. Perhaps the most Christian thing we could ever do is confess and acknowledge our weakness and then cast ourselves into the arms of Jesus Christ. We believe this leads to all kinds of good things, including freedom, joy, and peace. It is also a path to sanctification and transformation of life. If you're wondering how that could be the case, stay tuned for today's episode.

Would Satan Approve of Your Morality? Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Is there a kind of preaching that Satan would approve of? We often assume it’s the kind that denies miracles and weakens morality, but he may just as well applaud preaching that exalts virtue and moral living while leaving out Jesus. At Theocast, we believe this kind of Christless preaching is dangerous, as it shifts the focus from the gospel to mere behavior. Today, Jon and Justin will discuss this issue and how it affects life in the local church. How do we talk about obedience, faithfulness, and discipleship without obscuring Jesus or assuming the gospel? Our goal is to keep Christ at the center of every conversation, and we hope this discussion is helpful to you.